Long-term Follow-up of Secondary Reconstruction of Facial Paralysis and Depressive Deformities After Subtotal Temporal Bone Resection

Abstract

Subtotal temporal bone resection (STBR) frequently results in facial paralysis and depression, making reconstruction challenging due to significant tissue loss. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a procedure designed for simultaneous smile and soft tissue reconstruction after STBR. The authors included 3 patients who underwent latissimus dorsi (LD) neuromuscular flap combined with adipose flap transfer after STBR at the Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital between 2010 and 2016. Among these patients, 2 had facial vessels unsuitable for anastomosis due to prior neck dissection, and their masseteric nerves were unavailable for neurorrhaphy due to STBR. The thoracodorsal nerve was coaptated to the contralateral facial nerve in all patients and to the ipsilateral masseter nerve in one patient. Follow-up periods ranged from 7 to 13 years, with all patients achieving spontaneous smiles within 12 months post-surgery. Although depressive deformities improved, long-term follow-up revealed buccal muscle bulging due to unstable LD muscle fixation from a zygomatic arch defect caused by STBR. Revision surgeries, including muscle refixation with a tensor fasciae lata graft, muscle reduction, eyebrow lifting, blepharoplasty, and adipose tissue repositioning, were performed as needed. Ultimately, all patients achieved satisfactory facial contours and spontaneous smiles. This study demonstrates that free LD muscle with adipose flap transfer is effective for post-STBR reconstruction. However, detailed surgical planning and multistage reconstruction are often necessary due to the complexities involved.